2012 Olympics

'Anyone else as exhausted by these Olympics as I am? It's been an exciting two weeks; two L-O-N-G weeks where I have watched more television than I have in the last four years (seriously...on average, about 3.5 hours a night for two weeks straight? Sheesh). Fortunately, I planned ahead and had given myself a guilt-free reprieve, so I have really been able to enjoy and celebrate our success in these Olympic games!

So much of the last two weeks have really struck a chord with me; I've been moved by these athletes and their stories, each journey laced with trials and tribulations that pull at our heart-strings and find us cheering them on, regardless of their country. I have spent many a night rooting them on in the comfort of our own home, shouting at the television, doin' the "slow clap" and even shedding a few tears of pride for our American team. No shame.

Hands down, I think the inspiration of the summer has to be this guy:

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South African sprint runner, Oscar Pistorius. Yeah; he's one of those guys I'd love to meet just to shake his hand (oh, let's be real...I'd hug on him) and spend a minute in his presence. 'Dude had me bawling.

But oh, Track & Field...I waited with nail-biting anticipation to watch our home team and could not be more happy with our performance. These events hit really close to home because I grew up running competitively and ran the 100m, 4x100m and 4x400m races. I've been out of the running game for almost a year and a half due to a stress fracture and chronic knee problems, so I've been missing the "soul" of running and could not wait to live vicariously through these girls:

Women's 4x100m Relay: GOLD!
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And then the following night, our girls do not disappoint; they just do it all over again:

Women's 4x400m Relay: GOLD!
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Can I just take a minute to point out their ridiculous bodies? Can I have their abs and arms, please? Seriously. Even in the slow-cam, when they're running 100mph (not really, but they may as well be), their abs are still shouting: "'and WHAT? Still here." But I guess that is what four years of rigorous training will do for you. And if I'm being honest, that's just not for me. Someone pass me a cheeseburger and fries, will you?

I'd be remiss if I didn't also give a shout out to our Men's swim team and Women's gymnastics team, who also brought home medals! How cute are all these lithe, little mermen (noun: male mermaid)?

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And these sweet, powerful little half-pints who just killed it out on the floor?

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I'm so proud of our team and all the athletes who have worked themselves to the bone to get themselves to the Olympic games; I have deep respect for each of them, because few of us can even fathom the type of discipline it takes to be an athlete at this level. 'Mad props to all.

Tomorrow is Sunday, the last day, right? I'm SO looking forward to watching the marathon final. As Phil would say, "isn't your boy running?" That would be Ryan Hall. And yes, he's running...Go Ryan! And after all is said and done, I'm looking forward to Monday. Dare I say I'm a little Tivo'd out? I will need a good week of television detox. My brain hurts.

Have a great rest-of-the-weekend, friends!